Realization of gap-waveguide leaky wave antenna using low-cost metallization procedure

Realization of components in gap-waveguide technology can be expensive and time-consuming due to demanding manufacturing procedure. To reduce the costs of production we have investigated the characteristics of a 3D printed leaky wave antenna metallized using low-cost electroless process. As a proof of concept, leaky wave antenna is designed in groove gap-waveguide technology for operation at 30 GHz. The antenna was simulated, manufactured and measured to verify the design and the quality of the used copper plating process.